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DIRECTORY OF FOREST SERVICE.— DISTRICT 5 (CALIFORNIA AND 
WESTERN NEVADA). 

Paxil G. Redington, District Forester. 

District office, Ferry Building, San Francisco, Cal. 



National Forest. 


Forest supervisor. 


Headquarters. 




Shirley W. Allen 

J. D.Coffman 


625 Federal Building, Los Angeles, 




Cal. 
Willow (winter), Alder Springs 

(summer), Cal. 
San Diego, Cal. 

Placerville, Eldorado County, Cal. 




S. A. Boulden 




TC. F. Smith 






Bishop, Inyo County, Cal. 
Yreka, Siskiyou County, Cal. •-' 




W. A. Huestis 




C. E. Dunston 


Red Bluff (winter), Mineral (sum- 




W. G. Durbin 


mer), Tehama County, Cal. 
Alturas, Modoc County, Cal. 




W. M. Maule.. 


Minden, Douglas County, Nev. 

Quincy, Plumas County, Cal. 

Federal Building, Santa Barbara, 

Cal. 
Porterville, Tulare County, Cal. 

Sisson, Siskiyou County, Cal. 

Northfork, Madera County, Cal. 

Sonora, Tuolumne County, Cal. 

Nevada City, Nevada County, Cal. 

Weaverville, Trinity County, Cal. 




D. N. Rogers i 




Thos. W. Sloan 




F. P. Cunningham 

J. R.Hall 






M. A. Benedict * 

J. V. Wulfl 


Stanislaus 


Tahoe 


R. L. P. Bigelowi 

E. V. Jotter 


Trinity 







1 District forest inspector. 



U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, 

FOREST SERVICE. 

WILLIAM B. GREELEY, Forester. 



HANDBOOK FOR CAMPERS 

IN THE NATIONAL FORESTS 

IN CALIFORNIA. 



DEPARTMENT CIRCULAR 185 




WASHINGTON : 

GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 

1921. 



CONTENTS. -0-^0 



cA 



» W <x' 



Page. 

The Forest regions 4 

National Forests in California 6 

How the Forests are administered 8 

Individual National Forests—^ 9 

Klamath 1— 9 

Trinity 12 

California 13 

Shasta 13 

Modoc 14 

Lassen 14 

Plumas 15 

Tahoe 15 

Eldorado 16 

Stanislaus v _ 17 

Sierra 17 

Sequoia 18 

Mono 19 

Inyo 19 

Monterey division of Santa Barbara 19 

Santa Barbara 20 

Angeles 20 

Cleveland 21 

Outfit 21 

Clothing, etc 21 

• Camp equipment 22 

Rations 23 

Camp fires 24 

Camp cookery 27 

Disposal of refuse 31 

Packing 31 

Slinging 32 

The hitch 33 

Pasture for saddle and pack animals 37 

Accidents — First aid 37 

Fires and fire fighting 39 

Hints on fire protection 44 

Game and fish 45 

Miscellaneous 47 



library of CONGRESS 

•. Reived 

OCT 281921 

OOOUMENTii DIVISION, 



HANDBOOK FOR CAMPERS IN THE NATIONAL 
FORESTS IN CALIFORNIA. 

California contains a great number and variety of fine camp- 
ing places. Most of these are in the mountains and within the 
boundaries of the National Forests. This is an advantage so 
far as camping is concerned, since the development of the 
National Forests for the perpetuation of the timber supply and 
the protection of stream flow has increased their attractiveness 
for recreation purposes. Roads and trails built by the Govern- 
ment are open to the public and make many regions available for 
camping that were formerly inaccessible. Telephone lines, built 
to enable lookouts to report fires promptly and the rangers to 
summon fire crews without loss of time, connect the most re- 
mote portions of the Forests with the outside world and can be 
used for the transmission of important private messages. At 
many Forest stations and public camps campers' registers are 
kept for the convenience of the public. 

No restrictions on camping are imposed by the Government 
except those which a reasonably considerate camper would im- 
pose upon himself. Care with fire is, of course, essential, and 
campers are urged to use the improved public camps wherever 
they have been provided. On several of the Forests, because of 
the extreme inflammability of the cover, campers are required 
to secure permits before building fires. On all the Forests, with- 
out exception, camp fires must be totally extinguished before 
being left. 

Streams must not be polluted and camps must be kept in 

sanitary condition and left in good order. At many camp sites 

the Forest Service provides tools to keep the camp clean and to 

cover the camp fire with earth before leaving. These should be 

used and afterwards replaced. 

3 



4 HANDBOOK FOR CAMPERS. 

Saddle and pack animals used by campers may be grazed 
without fee. In places where the forage needed by campers' 
stock is likely to be consumed by commercial stock grazed under 
permit, special pastures are provided for the former. 

Firearms * are permitted, and there are no restrictions re- 
garding hunting or fishing, except those imposed by the State 
fish and game laws. In cooperation with the California Fish 
and Game Commission, hundreds of mountain streams and lakes 
have been stocked with suitable species of game fish. 

The best hunting and fishing grounds are known to the local 
forest officers, and campers should not hesitate to apply to them 
for information. 

Maps of many of the National Forests are published, showing 
in some detail the roads, trails, and streams, and giving infor- 
mation regarding distances, camping grounds, etc. These maps 
may be obtained free on application at any Forest Service office. 

Many persons would like to go camping, but do not know 
how to get started, where to go, or what to take. It is the pur- 
pose of this booklet to furnish general suggestions that may 
help such persons to make themselves comfortable in camp. A 
camper who has acquired some experience in woodcraft is in a 
position to have a much more enjoyable time than one entirely 
without knowledge of life in the open and, in addition, to be 
a source of protection instead of danger to the Forests. 

THE FOREST REGIONS. 

The forests in different parts of the State differ greatly in 
character. In southern California, even at comparatively high 
elevations, the slopes of the mountains facing the desert carry 
only the scantiest vegetation, consisting largely of desert 
species, only the canyons being shaded by sparse growths of 
Cottonwood, sycamore, etc. On the other hand, along the north- 
ern coast is the redwood forest, one of the densest and most 

1 National Forests should not be confused with National Parks. Fire- 
arms are prohibited in the latter. 



HANDBOOK FOR CAMPERS. 5 

imposing in all the world. Here the trees reach a height of 
more than 300 feet and a diameter of 20 feet, and stand so 
close that only ferns and other shade-enduring plants can grow 
beneth them. Between these two extremes are all the grada- 
tions that make the forests of California so interesting and 
valuable. Since the character of the forest in a particular 
region is an index of the camping conditions to be found there, 
the prospective camper should know where the different kinds 
of forests are located in order to make intelligent selection of 
a camping place. 

In California the forests as a general thing are confined to the 
mountains and usually to the middle or higher elevations. 
Along the north coast the redwood forests occur at low altitudes, 
but throughout the rest of the State the climatic conditions 
necessary for the native species are found only in the uplands, 
and the character of the forest changes according to the 
elevation. 

The principal mountain chains are the Coast Range, which 
roughly parallels the shore line throughout the length of the 
State, and the Sierra Nevada Range, which extends two-thirds 
of the length of the State from the Oregon line southward to the 
Tehachapi. Between these ranges lies the great central valley, 
the northern end of which is drained by the Sacramento River 
and the southern by the San Joaquin. East and south of the 
Sierras are the depressions known as the Mojave and Colorado 
Deserts, portions of which are below sea level. 

The highest and lowest points in the United States are in 
California. The bed of Salton Sea lies 287 feet below sea level, 
while the summit of Mount Whitney, in the Sequoia Forest, 
rises from the crest of the Sierras to a height of 14,502 feet. 

The rain and snow fall occur for the most part during the 
winter months. From June to September occasional thunder- 
storms occur in" the mountains, but they are of short duration; 
and it is possible to camp in comfort with only the crudest 
shelter. 



6 HANDBOOK FOR CAMPERS. 

During the winter the snowfall in the higher mountains is 
extremely heavy, somtimes amounting to as much as 20 to 40 
feet. 

NATIONAL FORESTS IN CALIFORNIA. 

The National Forests in California include within their boun- 
daries the forests on both slopes of the Sierras from the Oregon 
line to the Tehachapi, the Klamath River mountains, the inte- 
rior ridges of the northern Coast Range as far south as Lake 
County, and the coast ranges from near Monterey southward to 
the Mexican boundary. The coast redwood belt passed from 
Government ownership into private hands before Congress 
authorized the creation of the National Forests. 1 

Within the National Forests are four principal belts or zones 
of forest vegetation which lie, one above the other, on the slopes 
of the mountains. At the lowest levels is a noncommercial 
forest consisting of white oaks and digger pine growing in 
very open stands, with ground cover either of grass or of chap- 
arral of various species. In the northern part of the State the 
upper limit of this zone is about 2,000 feet in elevation. In the 
southern Sierras it extends up to about 4,000 feet, and in 
southern California somewhat higher. 

Above this foothill zone is the principal belt of commercial 
timber. It lies between elevations of 2,000 and 6,000 feet at 
the north, gradually increasing in elevation southward. Sugar 
pine and yellow pine are its principal species, associated with 

1 In order to preserve a portion of the redwood forests for the bene- 
fit of posterity, the State of California purchased from private owners 
a tract of redwood in Santa Cruz County known as the Big Basin. 
This is managed by a commission appointed by the governor. The 
Muir Woods, a small but very wonderful redwood forest on the south- 
ern slope of Mount Tamalpais, was donated to the Nation as a national 
monument by Mr. William Kent. Neither of these tracts is a National 
Forest, although the latter is owned by the Government. They are 
managed solely with the view of preserving and developing their scenic 
features. 



HANDBOOK FOR CAMPERS. 7 

incense cedar, Douglas fir, white fir, and a few hardwoods like 
black oak at the lower elevations. 

A fir zone occurs above the yellow pine, and still Mgber up 
a scanty, wind-swept forest of the hardiest alpine species oc- 
cupies the more sheltered situations. Timber line is located at 
about 9,000 feet. Above this elevation tree growth is practically 
absent. 

The boundary lines of these zones are not always clearly 
defined. Usually there is more or less overlapping wfeere one 
belt adjoins another. 

For camping purposes the yellow pine-sugar pine forest is the 
most popular. It is comparatively accessible ; wood, water, and 
horse feed are easy to get ; and there is plenty of fish and game. 
The fir belt also contains delightful camping places and rather 
more picturesque scenery than is found at lower elevations. 
The Tahoe region and the Gold Lake country on the Plumas 
National Forest are examples of the fir type of forest. The 
Calaveras big-tree grove, in the Stanislaus National Forest, is 
located in the yellow pine-sugar pine type. 

The foothills are attractive only during the rainy season, 
being hot, dusty, and lacking water durftig the summer; and 
the high summits are too bleak for anything more than short 
mountaineering excursions from camps located at lower levels. 

The Natioal Forests in California comprise 19,004,563 acres 
of Government land. The private holdings of timberland within 
the State are chiefly within or adjacent to the National Forests. 
Most owners are cooperating with the Government in protecting 
their forests from fire. 

In the southern California Forests are large brush areas. 

The chief purpose in protecting these is to conserve the water 
supply upon which thousands of acres of valuable land depend 
for irrigation. The timbered portions are protected not only 
for the sake of the water supply, but also in order to perpetuate 
the supply of timber. The stand of timber on Government land 



8 HANDBOOK FOR CAMPERS. 

within the National Forests of California amounts to 100,- 
000,000,000 feet board measure. It consists chiefly of western 
yellow pine, sugar pine, Douglas fir, white and red fir, and 
incense cedar. 

HOW THE FORESTS ARE ADMINISTERED. 

The Forest Service of the Department of Agriculture admin- 
isters the National Forests. It protects them from fire and other 
destructive agencies. It builds roads, trails, telephone lines, 
bridges, and other works to make them accessible. It conducts 
the sale and oversees the cutting of mature timber in accordance 
with the principles of forestry. It regulates the grazing of live 
stock in a way to improve the range and protect the settler and 
home builder from unfair competition in its use. It issues per- 
mits for the development of water power and for the construc- 
tion of hotels, dwellings, stores, factories, telephone lines, con- 
duits, public roads, reservoirs, power transmission lines, and 
scores of other uses. 

The resources of the National Forests are not locked up. The 
timber, water, and pasture are for the use of the people, and 
the minerals are open to development just as on unreserved 
public land. 

Each National Forest is in charge of a supervisor, who plans 
the work on his Forest under the instructions of the district 
forester and supervises its execution. His headquarters is lo- 
cated in a town conveniently situated with regard to his Forest. 
The work on the ground in the supervision of timber sales, 
grazing, free use of timber, special use, and other contracts and 
permits, the carrying out of the protection and improvement 
plans, and other administrative activities are performed by 
rangers. The Forests are divided into ranger districts with a 
ranger in charge of each. The average ranger district has about 
250,000 aces, but some are much larger. 



HANDBOOK FOR CAMPERS. 9 

Most of the forest rangers are also deputy State game com- 
missioners. They assist the California Fish and Game Com- 
mission in enforcing the game laws, stocking streams with fish, 
and destroying predatory animals. Nearly 800 mountain lions, 
coyotes, and wildcats are killed in California by forest officers 
each year. 

Forest officers extinguish in the average year about 1,200 
forest fires in California. Approximately 85 per cent of these 
are discovered and controlled before they reach a size of 10 
acres. The remaining 15 per cent cause an average loss of more 
than $100,000 annually. Practically all the serious fires are 
caused by human agency and would not occur if proper precau- 
tions were taken. Inexperienced campers are responsible for 
most of the preventable fires. 

Receipts from the sale of National Forest resources in Cali- 
fornia amount to about $700,000 annually. Twenty-five per cent 
of all such receipts go to the counties in which the Forests lie 
to be used for schools and roads, amounting in this State to 
about $180,000 annually ; and an additional 10 per cent of the 
receipts, amounting to about $70,000, is spent on roads and trails 
constructed primarily for the benefit of settlers within the 
Forests. 

INDIVIDUAL NATIONAL FORESTS. 

The following are brief descriptions of the National Forests 
in California. The map on pages 10 and 11 should be referred 
to for their location. 

KLAMATH NATIONAL FOREST. 

The Klamath National Forest contains 1,746,037 acres. It 
lies mostly in western Siskiyou County and is drained by 
the Klamath River, from which it takes its name. Klamath 
River has numerous tributaries, of which the most important 
are Shasta, Scott, and Salmon Rivers, which flow into it from 
54419°— 21 2 



12 HANDBOOK FOR CAMPERS. 

the south, and Indian Creek from the north. It is a rough, 
mountainous country, portions of it being very difficult to travel. 

Yreka is the principal starting-point and is also the Forest 
headquarters. It is on a branch railroad which leaves the 
Southern Pacific at Montague. There are roads down the main 
river to 15 miles below Happy Camp, down Scott River to its 
mouth, and down the Salmon below the Forks of Salmon. From 
the west side of the Forest can be entered by a road up the 
Klamath from Humboldt County. Much of the Forest is inac- 
cessible, except by pack outfits. 

Fish and game are plentiful and camp sites are numerous. 

The Forest contains 12,485,162,000 feet of merchantable tim- 
ber, consisting mainly of yellow pine and Douglas fir. It pro- 
vides forage every year for 9,750 head of cattle and horses, 
16,000 head of sheep and goats, and 900 hogs. 

TRINITY NATIONAL FOREST. 

The Trinity National Forest is situated chiefly in Trinity 
County and is drained by Trinity River, the largest tributary of 
the Klamath. It has an area of 1,746,519 acres. 

Its principal town is Weaverville, which is also the Forest 
headquarters. Weaverville is 50 miles by stage from Redding 
on the Southern Pacific. The Forest is crossed east and west 
by the Red Bluff -Eureka State Highway, and there are roads 
north and west from Weaverville. Many of the more interest- 
ing portions of the Forest are accessible only by pack animals. 

Hunting and fishing are excellent in nearly all portions of the 
Forest. 

The Forest contains 11,369,244,000 feet of timber, chiefly yel- 
low pine and Douglas fir. The annual growth of forage is suffi- 
cient for 13,000 cattle and horses, 25,000 head of sheep and 
goats, and 600 hogs, which graze under permit. 



HANDBOOK FOR CAMPERS. 13 

CALIFORNIA NATIONAL FOREST. 

The California National Forest comprises the interior ridges 
of the Coast Mountains south of the Trinity National Forest. 
It contains 1,062,622 acres and occupies portions of Mendocino, 
Tehama, Glenn, Colusa, and Lake Counties. The range divides 
the Forest north and south, the western slopes draining into Eel 
River and the eastern slopes into Stony Creek, Thorns Creek, 
and other tributaries of the Sacramento. 

Fishing streams are numerous and game is abundant. 

The Forest is accessible on the east side from points on the 
Southern Pacific between Colusa and Corning and on the west 
side from Hopland, TJkiah, Willitts, and Dos Rios on the North- 
western Pacific. Willows is the Forest headquarters during 
the winter. In summer the office is moved to Alder Springs. 

The Forest contains 4,814,728,000 feet of timber and provides 
forage for 7,600 head of cattle and horses, 50,000 head of 
sheep, and 400 hogs. 

SHASTA NATIONAL FOREST. 

"The Shasta National Forest lies mostly in Siskiyou County, 
taking in also portions of Shasta and Trinity Counties. The 
eastern portion drains southward into Pit and McCloud Rivers, 
the central portion into the Sacramento, and the western por- 
tion includes the headwaters of the northernmost branch of the 
Trinity River. 

The Forest contains 1,626,624 acres, of which 840,000 acres 
are owned by the Government. Throughout most of the Forest 
alternate sections are included in the Central Pacific land grant. 

The Forest contains merchantable Government timber to the 
amount of 4,538.838,000 feet. It provides forage annually for 
40,000 head of sheep and goats, 11,400 head of cattle and horses, 
and 800 hogs. 

The Shasta Forest is crossed north and south by the Southern 
Pacific (Shasta route) and may be entered from a number of 



14 HANDBOOK FOR CAMPERS. 

stations on this road between Redding and Gazelle. The 
Forest headquarters is at Sisson. This is also the junction 
point for the McCloud River Railroad, which extends east for 
50 miles. Another branch railroad leaves the main line at Weed, 
running northeast to Klamath Lake, Oregon. 

Roads parallel the railroad lines," and extend from Redding 
northeast into the Pit River country, from Delta into Trinity 
County, from Gazelle into northern Trinity County, and from 
Sisson to Medicine Lake. 

The Forest takes its name from Mount Shasta, one of the 
highest mountains in the United States, with an elevation of 
14,380 feet. 

MODOC NATIONAL FOREST. 

The Modoc National Forest lies in Modoc and northern Lassen 
Counties. It comprises 1,982,859 acres. The western portion 
is an interesting lava-bed country of comparatively low relief 
and with but little water. Parts of the lava beds, however, con- 
tain excellent timber. The eastern portion of the Forest in- 
cludes the Warner range, which slopes westward to Goose Lake 
and eastward to Surprise Valley, and which contains water in 
abundance. 

The principal starting-point is Alturas, which is also the 
Forest headquarters. It is on the Nevada-California-Oregon 
Railway, which leaves the Southern Pacific at Wendel and the 
Western Pacific at Hackstaff. 

The Forest is generally open in character. Wagon roads are 
numerous, and hunting and fishing are excellent. 

The Forest contains 3,842,846,000 feet of timber, and forage 
for 40,600 head of cattle and horses and 87.250 head of sheep 
and goats. 

LASSEN NATIONAL FOREST. 

The Lassen National Forest is located in Shasta, Butte, Te- 
hama, Plumas, and Lassen Counties. It drains northward into 
Pit River and westward into the Sacramento. A portion also 
drains eastward into Honey Lake. 



HANDBOOK FOR CAMPERS. 15 

The Lassen contains 1,277,745 acres. It takes its name from 
Mount Lassen, a volcano, which became active in May, 2914, 
after many years of quiet. The Forest contains 6,090,300,000 
feet of timber, much of it quite accessible. It yields forage for 
39,700 head of sheep and goats and 14,200 head of cattle and 
horses. 

The winter headquarters is at Red Bluff, on the Southern 
Pacific. During the summer the Forest is administered from 
Mineral, which is on the stage road from Red Bluff. Roads 
from Redding enter the northern portion of the Forest and stage 
roads also leave the Western Pacific at Keddie. A branch of 
the Southern Pacific, which leaves the main line at Fernley, 
Nev., gives access to the eastern portion. 

PLUMAS NATIONAL FOREST. 

The Plumas National Forest drains chiefly westward into the 
Feather River. It lies mostly in Plumas County, including also 
portions of Butte and Lassen Counties, and contains 1,425,164 
acres. 

It is one oj. the most accessible of all the Forests, being trav- 
ersed east and west by the Western Pacific Railroad. The head- 
quarters is at Quincy, on a short spur from the main line (junc- 
tion point, Quincy Junction) ; and this is the principal starting- 
point for camping trips. There are, however, numerous sta- 
tions on the railroad, any one of which will serve as a starting- 
point. Hunting and fishing opportunities are unsurpassed, and 
enjoyable camping places are innumerable. 

The Plumas contains 11,826,000,000 feet of timber, some of 
which is the most accessible to market of any belonging to the 
Government. Live stock to the number of 16,100 head of cattle 
and horses and 76,500 head of sheep and goats graze each year 
under Government permit. 

TAHOE NATIONAL FOREST. 

The Tahoe National Forest is named from the famous lake 
which lies in the southeastern corner of it. It includes portions 



16 HANDBOOK FOR CAMPERS. 

of Sierra, Butte, Yuba, Nevada, and Placer Counties, and crosses 
the California line into Washoe County, New It contains 
1,222,045 acres, less than half of which is owned by the Gov- 
ernment. 

The drainage is chiefly to the west into Sacramento River, 
the portion of the Forest draining eastward into Nevada being 
comparatively small. The principal streams are Yuba, Bear, 
American, and Truckee Rivers. 

•The Southern Pacific (Ogden route) crosses the Forest east 
and west. There are branches at Colfax for Nevada City and 
at Truckee for Lake Tahoe. One route of the Lincoln High- 
way goes through Auburn, Emigrant Gap, and Donner Pass. 
Farther north a road from Oroville crosses into Sierra Valley 
and connects with roads to Nevada and Oregon. 

The headquarters of the Tahoe Forest is at Nevada City. The 
Forest contains 5,627,796,000 feet of Government timber and 
provides forage for 10,300 head of cattle and horses and 50,500 
head of sheep and goats. This is a wonderful recreation region. 

ELDORADO NATIONAL FOREST. 

The Eldorado National Forest is chiefly in Eldorado County, 
from which it takes its name. Its headquarters is at Placer- 
ville, which is on a branch line leaving the Southern Pacific at 
Sacramento. The eastern end of the Eldorado may be reached 
by train and steamer via Truckee and Tahoe. One route of the 
Lincoln Highway from Reno touches the southern end of Lake 
Tahoe and traverses the Eldorado Forest through the American 
River Canyon and Placerville. 

The Eldorado contains admirable camp sites, and hunting and 
fishing are excellent. The Government timber amounts to 
4,993,318,000 feet, containing an unusually large proportion of 
sugar pine. Live stock to the number of 11,700 head of cattle 
and horses and 21,700 head of sheep and goats pasture on this 
Forest each year. 



HANDBOOK FOR CAMPERS. 17 

STANISLAUS NATIONAL FOREST. 

The Stanislaus National Forest takes its name from Stanis- 
laus River, which is one of the principal drainage systems. 
North of this river is the Mokelumne watershed and south of it 
are the Tuolumne, which flows through Hetch Hetchy Valley, 
and the Merced, which flows through the Yosemite. 

The Forest includes portions of Calaveras, Alpine., Tuolumne, 
and Mariposa Counties. The northern portion of the Forest 
extends eastward to the main crest of the Sierras; the south- 
ern portion is bounded on the east by Yosemite National Park. 

The headquarters of the Stanislaus is at Sonora, on the 
Sierra Railway, which leaves the Southern Pacific and the 
Santa Fe at Oakdale and Riverbank, respectively. There are 
State highways which cross the summit into Nevada, one going 
by way of Long Barn and Sonora Pass; and the other, to the 
north, going via Murphy s and the Calaveras Bigtrees. The 
Sierra streams flow through canyons, and roads crossing them 
are infrequent. The Tioga Road to the Yosemite via Big Oak 
Flat traverses Stanislaus Forest. 

The Stanislaus comprises 1,104.412 acres. The stand of tim- 
ber amounts to 7,504,333,000 feet, and the forage supports 
20,400 head of cattle and horses and 23,400 head of sheep and 
goats. 

Hunting and fishing are excellent and camping places nu- 
merous. 

SIERRA NATIONAL FOREST. 

The Sierra National Forest includes the west slope of the 
Sierras form Merced River southward to North Fork of Kings 
River, with the exception of the area occupied by Yosemite Na- 
tional Park. Portions of Mariposa, Madera, and Fresno Coun- 
ties are included. 

The principal watersheds are those of San Joaquin and Kings 
Rivers. These rivers with their tributaries, as well as many 

54419°— 21 -3 



18 HANDBOOK FOR CAMPERS. 

mountain lakes, have been amply stocked with trout, and fish- 
ing is everywhere excellent. 

The Sierra contains 1,662,560 acres. Its headquarters is at 
Northfork, in Madera County, reached by stage from Fresno. 
The San Joaquin & Eastern Railway, which leaves the main 
line at El Prado, leads into a beautiful camping country around 
Huntington Lake. Roads lead into the Forest from Madera 
and Fresno. The automobile road to Wawona runs from Ray- 
mond via Miami, passing within two miles of the Mariposa 
Grove of Bigtrees. 

The Forest contains 10,116,661.000 feet of merchantable tim- 
ber and provides forage for 18,175 head of cattle and horses, 
35,300 head of sheep and goats, and 1,500 swine. 

SEQUOIA NATIONAL FOREST. 

The Sequoia National Forest covers the western flank of the 
Sierra Nevada range from Kings River south to Piute Moun- 
tain, including the watersheds of Kaweah and Kern Rivers. 
The Forest lies in Fresno, Tulare, and Kern Counties, and 
contains 2,021,609 acres. Its headquarters is at Porterville, 
Tulare County. . H 

Kern River Canyon, one of the most remarkable canyons in 
the Sierras, can be reached by pack trips from Hot Springs. 
It is also accessible from Kernville, to which point there is a 
stage line from the railroad at Caliente. 

For Kerns River Canyon the stage may be taken from the 
railroad at Sanger to Hume, thence by trail into the canyon. 
Mount Whitney, the highest point in the United States, is on 
this Forest, which also includes within its boundaries Sequoia 
and General Grant National Parks. 

The Forest contains 8,667,914,000 feet of timber and pro- 
vides forage for 29,750 head of cattle and horses, 6,000 head of 
sheep and goats, and 600 swine. 

Some of the finest fishing in California is found in Kings and 
Kern Rivers and their tributaries. 



HANDBOOK FOR CAMPERS. 19 

MONO NATIONAL FOREST. 

The Mono National Forest lies on the eastern slope of the 
Sierras, in Alpine and Mono Counties. Its headquarters is at 
Minden, Nev., on a branch road from Reno. Carson and Walker 
Rivers are the principal streams. 

The area of the Forest is 1,358,380 acres. Its timber amounts 
to 1,040,742,000 feet, and it provides pasture for 6,500 head of 
cattle and horses and 86,600 head of sheep and goats. 

State roads cross the main Sierras, one into the Yosemite 
from the vicinity of Mono Lake, another into the Calaveras big 
trees by way of Markleville, and a third into Stanislaus Forest 
over Sonora Pass. There is also a road from Gardnerville direct 
to the southern end of Lake Tahoe which connects with Lincoln 
Highway for Sacramento. This is a fine fishing and recreation 
area. 

INYO NATIONAL FOREST. 

The Inyo National Forest lies east of the Sierras, in Mono 
and Inyo Counties. It covers the entire watershed of Owens 
Valley, a portion of which furnishes the water supply of the 
city of Los Angeles. 

Bishop is the headquarters, reached by rail from either Mo- 
have or Reno. 

Trails lead from Bishop, Big Pine, Independence, and other 
points across high passes into the most scenic portions of the 
high Sierras. The Mammoth region, reached by the State High- 
way, is one of the finest recreation areas in California. 

The Inyo contains 1,310,810 acres.' Its timber amounts to 
776,083,000 feet, and its forage accommodates 8,300 head of 
cattle and horses and 49,000 head of sheep and goats. 

MONTEREY DIVISION OF THE SANTA BARBARA FOREST. 

The Monterey Division of the Santa Barbara Forest is in 
Monterey County, and its function is to protect the watershed of 
Salinas River. The headquarters is at Santa Barbara. The 
ranger in charge of the district is stationed at Kings City. 



20 HANDBOOK FOR CAMPERS. 

The Division includes 360,494 acres. The timber is confined 
chiefly to the higher elevations on the seaward slopes and is 
estimated at 480,000,000 feet. 

Grazing is provided for cattle and horses and sheep and goats. 
Most of this area is accessible only by trail. 

SANTA BARBARA NATIONAL FOREST. 

The Santa Barbara National Forest comprises the brushy 
ranges of San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura Coun- 
ties and the Western portion of Los Angeles County. The 
streams protected, although comparatively small, are of great 
importance in supplying water for irrigation and domestic pur- 
poses. The Forest contains 1,933,604 acres. The headquarters 
is at Santa, Barbara. 

The stand of timber amounts to 631,000,000 feet. The forage 
crop supports 10,875 head of cattle and horses, 15,500 head of 
sheep and goats, and 300 swine. 

ANGELES NATIONAL FOREST. 

The watersheds comprised in the Angeles National Forest 
furnish water for irrigation and domestic purposes to the San 
Gabriel and San Bernardino Valleys. The canyons are short, 
steep, and, except where fire has destroyed the cover, brushy. 
Tree growth is confined to the canyon bottoms, and a commer- 
cial forest is found only at high elevations. 

This Forest is much used by campers, and especially by pic- 
nickers, since it is easily accessible to a very large population. 
There are numerous summer homes maintained here under per- 
mit. Campers on the Forest are required to secure permits be- 
fore lighting camp fires. These permits are supplied by the 
forest officers without charge. 

The Angeles contains 1,065,756 acres, with a stand of timber 
of 1,050,000,000 feet, and has a grazing capacity of 4,100 head 
of cattle and horses. The Government is assisted in protecting 



HANDBOOK FOR CAMPERS. 21 

the Angeles by contributions from the State and from associa- 
tions of waters users. 

CLEVELAND NATIONAL FOREST. 

The Cleveland National Forest is in four parts, each covering 
an important watershed. The principal function of the Cleve- 
land Forest is the conservation* of water and the prevention of 
erosion and silting. The Forest headquarters is at San Diego. 

The Forest includes 813,635 acres, of which 547,292 are Gov- 
ernment land. The stand of timber, which is confined to the 
highest elevations, amounts to 327,300,000 feet. The forage 
supports 3,500 head of sheep and goats and 4,000 head of cattle 
and horses. 

The Cleveland abounds in excellent camping places, 
especially in the San Jacinto region, reached from Hemet or 
ttrom Banning, and in the Trabuco Canyon and the Laguna 
Mountains. Roads are numerous. 



OUTFIT. 

CLOTHING, ETC. 

In outfitting for forest travel the following list will serve as 
a guide : 

CLOTHING. 

Old business suit ; or khaki, whipcord, or overall material. 

Mackinaw or sweater. 

Underwear, medium weight. 

Socks, medium weight, two pairs being worn ; or one pair, heavy. 

Shirt, flannel or khaki, light or medium weight, half size larger 

than usually worn. 
Shoes, stout, easy, with soles heavy enough for Hungarian nails ; 

sneakers for camp. 
Leggings, canvas or leather (woolen puttees unsuitable). 
Boots, instead of shoes and leggings, if desired. 
Gloves, " buckskin." 
Hat, moderately wide brim, felt or cloth. 



22 HANDBOOK FOR CAMPERS. 



Air beds are comfortable, where they can be carried, since 
they can be placed even on bare rocks. Mattresses are usually 
too bulky. In the pine forest, pine needles, raked up before 
building the fire and with the cones removed, will make a com- 
fortable bed. 

BEDDJNG. 

The most serviceable bedding is a quilt of eiderdown or wool 
with an extra covering of denim. The quilt can be sewed or 
pinned with blanket pins along the bottom to form a sleeping 
bag. If blankets are chosen, it should be borne in mind that 
two light ones are warmer than a single heavy one. 

A 7 by 7 foot, 10-ounce canvas when folded will make a 
ground cloth and an extra cover and is also useful as a pack cover 
or to cover camp equipment in an automobile. Remember that 
the nights are usualy cold in the mountains and that consider- 
able bedding is required. 

CAMP EQUIPMENT. 

Camp equipment used by the Forest Service in outfitting fire 
crews is shown in the following list. An outfit for five men is 
given : 

Knives, table 7 

Forks, table 7 

Teaspoons 7 

Spoon, stirring 1 

Plates 7 

Cups ., 7 

Milk pan (dish up) 1 

Dish pan 1 

Fry pans, small 3 

Stew kettles, half-gallon 2 

Meat fork 1 

Canvas water pail, 2-gallon 1 

Butcher knives 2 

Stewpans, assorted 2 

Can opener — 1 

1-gallon coffeepot 1 

Dutch oven 1 

Lantern 1 



HANDBOOK FOR CAMPERS. 23 

To the foregoing may be added : 

Washbasins. 

Pepper and salt boxes. 

Oilcloth for table. 

Miscellaneous camp equipment: 

Shovel. Canteens. 

Axes and extra handles. 6-inch files. 

Saw. Whetstone. 

Hatchets. Rope and twine. 
Assorted nails. 

RATIONS. 

The following ration list is used by the Forest Service as a 
guide in subsisting fire fighters on the fire line and may be of 
service to campers in outfitting for camping trips. The list 
shows the amounts of various articles required to subsist 10 
men one day. The requirements of one man for 10 days will 
be . approximately the same, and supplies for any number may 
be computed from the figures given. A food to be useful for 
camp and trail must contain the maximum amount of nutri- 
ment, or food value, with a minimum of bulk. 

Forest Service fire-crew ration list — 10 men, one day. 

Meat alone: 

Fresh meat pounds 20 

Canned or cured meat do 12 

Meat combined : 

Fresh meat _do 10 

Canned or cured meat do 6 

Bread, crackers, or flour : 

Bread pound loaves 9 

Crackers pounds 6 

Flour do 8 

Baking powder (if above amount of flour is used) do 1 

Lard do 1 

Sugar do 4 

Sirup quarts— 1 

Coffee, ground pounds__ 2 

Tea do i 

Milk, canned 10-cent size cans__ 3 



24 HANDBOOK FOR CAMPERS. 

Butter pounds__ 2 

Fruits : 

Dried pounds 2 

Canned quarts 3 

Rice pounds . 2 

Beans do 3 

Potatoes „___ do 10 

Onions ! do 1 

Tomatoes, canned large cans 3 

Macaroni pounds__ 1 

Cheese (American) ; do 2 

Erbwurst ' do $ 

Pickles quarts 1 

Salt pounds 1 

Pepper ounces 2 

Dish towels (cheesecloth) yards 3 

Twine , ball jl" 

Hand towels number— 3 

Candles do 3 

Soap (hand, Sapolio, and laundry) bars 2 

Matches . boxes • 1 

Paper bags number 12 

Total weight, 138 pounds. 

CAMP FIRES. 
(See illustrations on pp. 25 and 26.) 

Camp stoves should be taken whenever they can be trans- 
ported. They are safer than open fires, more convenient, re- 
quire less fuel, and do not blacken the cooking utensils. Collap- 
sible sheet-iron stoves may be obtained. 

In the absence of a stove an open fire must be built. A safe 
and serviceable fireplace can be made of rocks placed in a 
small circle so as to support the utensils. (Figs. 4 and 5.) 
Where rocks are not obtainable, poles may be used as in 
figure 2. 

For permanent camps it pays to build a stone fireplace. One 
is shown in the illustration " Details of Camp Fireplace Con- 
struction." A piece of sheet iron will prevent the blackening 
of the pans and makes a better draft. 



HANDBOOK FOR CAMPERS. 



25 



* V§ N u £ ^ 



S |^B?^>^^ 















£ 4? § Q 5 * % * & * ^ 

i _ iliriitiiii 












'**£ 




26 



HANDBOOK FOR CAMPERS. 




HANDBOOK FOR CAMPERS. 27 

For temporary camps the fire should be built as follows : 

Dig a hole about a foot deep and about 3 or 4 feet in diameter. 
Shovel away the side toward the wind. Lay green poles across 
the hole to support the pots and pans, and build the fire under- 
neath. (Fig. 1.) 

Fire irons are often a great convenience. A piece of three- 
eighths-inch round iron 4 feet long is bent at right angles a 
foot from each end and the ends are sharpened. Two of these 
irons are placed side by side, the ends are driven into the 
ground and the fire kindled beneath them. Instead of being 
made in one piece, the pegs and crossbars may be connected 
by rings in the ends. (Fig. 3.) They will then fold and be 
easier to pack. 

Camp fires should never be larger than necessary, and the 
utmost care should be taken to prevent sparks from being car- 
ried into the neighboring forest. Clear away the litter for a 
considerable space about the fire. And be sure to put the fire 
out before you leave it. 

A shovel is nearly as important a tool as an ax in camping. 
Do not count on finding one along the way, but put one in your 
outfit. 

During wet weather look for kindling in burned sugar-pine 
or yellow-pine butts or in pine knots. The under side of a lean- 
ing tree will usually contain dry material. Dead branches — of 
manzanita, etc. — that have not yet fallen are drier than those 
on the ground. Bark from fir snags is excellent fuel. 

Where matches are scarce or when the weather is stormy 
light a candle and kindle your fire from that. 

CAMP COOKERY. 

It is difficult to pack into camp very many different kinds of 
foods, and the camper is recommended to secure variety in his 
menu by learning to cook staple articles in different ways 
rather than by stocking up with a varied assortment. Direc- 



28 HANDBOOK FOR CAMPERS. 

tions for preparing the ordinary articles of camp fare are given 
below : 

Coffee. — Fill the pot with fresh water. When it comes to a 
boil stir in coffee previously moistened with warm (not hot) 
water. Cover closely. Let it boil up for two minutes, stirring 
from the sides and top as it boils up. To clear it, remove from 
the fire and dash over the surface a " cup of cold, fresh water. 
Or, put the coffee, dry, in the pot ; stir it while heating ; then 
pour over it 1 quart boiling water to each ounce of coffee, and 
set the pot where it will keep hot and not boil. After standing 
10 minutes it is ready to drink. 

Tea. — Bring fresh water to a hard boil. Fill the teapot with 
boiling water. When the pot is thoroughly heated, pour off the 
water and put into the pot 1 teaspoonful of tea for every cup 
that is to be drawn and 1 for the pot. Then pour on the boil- 
ing water and set the covered pot near the fire to draw but 
not to boil. Green tea generally requires 5 minutes ; Oolong 
tea, 8 minutes ; English greakfast tea, 15 minutes. 

The faults commonly committed in making tea are as fol- 
lows : The water is flat from having boiled too long ; the water 
is only hot and not boiling ; the teapot is not heated before put- 
ting in the tea; the tea is boiled instead of drawn (no tea 
should be boiled) ; the tea is made too long before it is to be 
drunk. 

Baking-powder bread. — Mix 1 quart flour, 1 teaspoon salt, 4 
teaspoons baking powder. 1 Stir in enough cold water to make 
a thick batter. Mix rapidly and pour into Dutch oven. Bake 
until no dough adheres to a sliver stuck into the loaf. 

Frying-pan bread. — Mix 1 cup flour, 1 tablespoon sugar, 1 
teaspoon salt, 3 teaspoons baking powder, and stir in water 
enough to make a thick dough. Pour into hot, greased frying 
pan and place near fire. As soon as it sets prop the pan nearly 
erect before the blaze. W T hen brown on one side turn it over. 

Flapjacks. — Two cups flour, half teaspoon salt, and 4 tea- 
spoons baking powder. Water to make a thin batter. Grease 
frying pan with lard or bacon rind and fry cakes when pan is 
smoking hot. Prepared pancake flours are often satisfactory 
and have directions printed on the package. 

1 In using baking powders, follow the directions on the package, since 
different brands vary in strength. 



HANDBOOK FOR CAMPERS. 29 

Corn bread (unleavened) . — Corn meal 1 quart, salt 1 teaspoon- 
ful ; mix rapidly with boiling water and stir till it drops lightly 
from the spoon. Bake in Dutch oven or in thin cakes in a fry- 
ing pan. 

In using Dutch ovens care should be taken that the oven and 
lid are quite hot before dough is placed in them for baking. 
During the preparations for baking the oven and lid should 
be heated over the fire. When a good mass of coals has been 
obtained, the dough should be placed in the heated oven (the 
bottom having been greased) and the lid put on. The oven 
should then be embedded in the coals and the lid covered with 
coals and hot ashes. 

Instead of a Dutch oven two pans may be used, one being 
large enough to fit snugly over the other as a cover. Plenty of 
ashes and Sarth should be piled on top or the bread will burn. 

Fried fish. — Clean and wipe the fish dry, rub it over with 
dry, sifted flour; put into a frying pan enough dripping to 
well cover the fish ; when this is hot, put in the fish and fry 
both sides a clear golden brown. Just as the fish is turning 
brown sprinkle it lightly with pepper and salt. 

Fried steak. — Cleanse the steak but do not put it into water. 
Have the frying pan very hot and dry and lightly powdered 
with salt ; put in the steak, cover it with a tin plate, and turn 
it often. When cooked put it on a hot dish and season with 
pepper and salt. The juices will then escape and furnish the 
gravy ; or, have ready in a hot dish a half teaspoonful of salt, 
a quarter of a teaspoonful of pepper, a piece of butter or beef 
dripping not quite the size of an egg, add two tablespoonfuls 
of boiling water, mix well together, put the steak into it and 
turn it over once, so that both sides will be moistened with the 
gravy, and serve. 

Prepare and broil mutton chops, venison, and pork steaks as 
above. 

Meat prepared in this way is quite equal to that broiled in a 
gridiron, and this method does not waste the juices. 

For broiling on a gridiron, prepare the steak as directed for 
cooking in a frying pan. Have ready a bed of live coals, and 
as soon as the gridiron (wiped clean) is heated put the steak 
on it, turning often. If the fire smokes or blazes from the 
dripping fat, withdraw the gridiron for a moment. It should 
cook in 15 minutes. 



30 HANDBOOK FOR CAMPERS. 

Salt pork and bacon should be soaked in cold water for an 
hour or two before broiling or frying. Ham may be covered 
with boiling water and soaked for half an hour before broiling. 

Game. — The entrails should be taken out as soon as game is 
killed. If the meat is not to be cooked at once, hang it up in 
a cool, dry place, birds should be kept in their feathers and 
animals in their skins. 

Canned goods. — Before using canned goods" see that the ends 
of the cans are sunk in. If the ends are swelled or bulgy, it 
usually means fermented contents and spoiled goods. 

After a can has been opened pour contents immediately into 
enamel ware dish. Never leave food in the original cans. 

In the process of canning all canned goods receive a cooking 
varying in length of time from five minutes to seven hours, 
according to the character of the goods, and but little further 
cooking is necessary. 

Boiling.— At high altitudes water boils at temperatures too 
low to cook with, the decrease in atmospheric pressure lowering 
the boiling point. This decrease amounts roughly to 1 degree 
for every 555 feet of ascent. Thus, at 10,000 feet elevation the 
temperature of boiling water is only 194 degrees. Other 
methods of cooking are not affected by altitude. 

Beans — Wash and soak over night in cold water. Soft water 
is preferable; a little baking soda may be used to soften hard 
water. Drain and put the beans into a pot with enough cold 
water to cover them plentifully. To 2 quarts of beans add 1 
teaspoonful of bicarbonate of soda ; cover and boil for 15 min- 
utes. Remove the scum as it rises. Pour off the water ; replace 
with boiling water. Cover and boil steadily for 2 or 3 hours, 
or until tender. Drain and season with butter, pepper, and salt. 

Rice. — The rice should be thoroughly washed and then placed 
in a pot with plenty of water (latter at boiling point). Boil, 
without stirring the rice, for 20 minutes ; throw into a colander, 
covering same, and let stand several minutes — thus serving a 
double purpose, allowing rice to drain as well as steam. 

The three cardinal points essential to a satisfactory result 
are: First, water boiling from start to finish; second, rice un- 
disturbed while cooking ; third, thorough draining. 

In order to see whether or not rice is done, take out one of 
the grains and press it between the fingers ; if well done, it will 
mash easily and feel perfectly soft. 

One pint of rice will swell to 3 pints when cooked and in- 
crease in weight from 14 ounces to 2 pounds. 

One pound of rice contains about three and one-half times as 
much food as 1 pound of potatoes. 



HANDBOOK FOE CAMPERS. 31 

Stewed prunes. — Wash and pick over the prunes ; put them to 
soak overnight in the water (cold) they are to be cooked in, 
using only enough water to cover them. Put the prunes on the 
fire where they can just simmer during three hours. Do not use 
an iron vessel and do not let them boil hard. Keep closely 
covered. 

Steived, dried, and evaporated apples, apricots, and peaches. — 
These are prepared like prunes except that they require less 
cooking. Also, when these fruits are cooked put in plenty of 
sugar and cook five minutes longer. 

During hot weather fruit is likely to sour when put to soak 
overnight. 

Stew. — Into a kettle put a layer of meat (fresh, salt, game, 
etc.) and season, dredge with flour, then add a layer of pota- 
toes, onions, etc., repeating this until the kettle is nearly full, as 
desired. Over all pour sufficient water to cover, and stew slowly 
from one to three hours, according to quantity. During the last 
hour stir in a quart of batter to thicken ; season to taste, and 
serve hot. 

Stew with canned meats. — Peel and slice the potatoes and 
onions ; put them in the camp kettle, season with pepper and 
salt, pour in sufficient water to cover them, and stew gently, 
keeping the lid of the kettle closely shut until the potatoes are 
nearly cooked ; then open the tins of meat, cut up the contents, 
and put into the kettle; let the whole simmer for 10 minutes 
and serve. 

DISPOSAL OF REFUSE. 

Burn all kitchen refuse in the camp fire; it will not affect 
the cooking. Burn everything — coffee grounds, parings, bones, 
meat, even old tin cans — for if thrown out anywhere, even 
buried, they may attract flies. Refuse once burned will not 
attract flies. 

If burning is impracticable, dig a hole for the refuse, leaving 
the earth piled up on the edge, and cover every addition with 
a layer of dirt. 

PACKING. 
(See illustrations on pp. 34 and 35.) 

In packing on animals a packsaddle is firmly cinched, the 
portions of the outfit are suspended on it, and the whole is 



32 HANDBOOK FOR CAMPERS. 

secured by a rope with a cinch attached which is so tied as to 
bind the load to the animal. 

The usual packsaddle is of the sawbuck type — consisting of 
two back plates, to which low crosstrees are bolted in the place 
of horn and cantle. Packsaddles should be double rig, with 
breast pad and crupper or breeching. - It is quite necessary that 
the packsaddle should fit the animal that is to carry it, other- 
wise galls are almost certain to occur. 

Unless kyacks are used the various articles, except bedding 
and the bulkier pieces, must be tied in sacks, which are sus- 
pended from the saddle by means of the sling rope. ( See fig. 5. ) 

SLINGING. 

Two half-hitches are taken in the middle of the sling rope 
and dropped over the front crosstree. The ends are then looped 
over the rear crosstree to form the slings (0, C) in which the 
sacks are hung. The slings are adjusted to the proper position 
and kept there by taking a turn with the ends (D, E) around 
the sling loop. When both side packs have been slung, the ends 
of the sling rope are tied together across the center of the 
saddle. 

The other sacks, if there are any, are then piled on. The 
bedding may be rolled up, forming a bundle, or it may be folded 
once and spread across the pack. Long, slender articles, like 
fishing rods, shovels, or rakes, should go on top of the load. 

Kyacks are sacks furnished with a pair of loops to hook over 
the crosstrees. They are the size and shape of the case in which 
two 5-gallon coal-oil cans are packed, and are made of rawhide, 
leather, or canvas. Kyacks (also called " alforjas," or, in Cali- 
fornia, " alf orkases " ) are especially convenient for packing 
numerous loose articles. 

It is of particular importance that the two sides of the pack 
should be evenly balanced. The weights on the two sides should 
be as nearly the same as possible, but where the weight can 



HANDBOOK FOR CAMPERS. 33 

not be evenly divided the heavier side must be slung higher. 
The balance may be tested by bearing down on one of the packs ; 
if the load comes to rest immediately, the pack should be 
altered; but if it oscillates a time or two, it will do. 

THE HITCH. 

The load is made fast by means of the cinch rope or lash 
rope. The principle of practically all hitches is that any slack 
that may be left in the rope is at all times equally distributed. 

For commercial or army pack trains the Government diamond 
hitch probably has no equal. But it is difficult to explain, hard 
to remember, and awkward to throw without a helper. There 
are various one-man, squaw, or Basco hitches, which for ordi- 
nary purposes are preferable. One of the simplest, which is in 
common use by the rangers, is illustrated on page 34. It may be 
thrown single handed. 

Until some practive is obtained the packer should first set 
the hitch and tighten it afterwards, always pulling toward head 
or tail on a line parallel with the animal's backbone. 

At the end of the first mile or so the pack should be examined, 
and, if necessary, the hitch should be tightened. This is par- 
ticularly necessary if the lash rope is damp when the hitch is 
thrown, since the rope stretches on drying. 

When stops are made for lunch or other purposes, the pack 
horses should be unloaded. 

BANGER HITCH. 

The cinch is thrown over the center of the pack from the 
near side. The packer reaches under the animal with his left 
hand, seizes the hook, pulls the cinch into position, and catches 
the rope in the hook. The loop A is then tucked under, and 
another loop is made by pulling out the portion of the rope at 
C. The cinch is now tightened by pulling up on the rope at D. 
The packer then goes to the off side, leads the rope B to the 



34 



HANDBOOK FOR CAMPERS. 




Method of Setting Sling Rope, 



HANDBOOK FOR CAMPERS. 



35 




Hg. 2. Vn&ee Side of Pack. 




36 HANDBOOK FOR CAMPERS. 

rear corner of the pack, and thence forward beneath the load. 
Standing at the horse's head he tightens it, pulling in line with 
the animal's backbone, and bracing knee or foot against the pack 
to get a purchase. Still keeping a strain on the rope with his 
left hand, with his right he reaches under the horse's neck, 
seizes the loop C, and takes up the slack. When this is done, 
he tightens from this side in the same manner. Then, still 
keeping a strain on the rope, he leads it to the rear corner on 
the near side, tightens there, keeps a strain at E with left hand, 
seizes "F with right hand, tightens again, leads the rope down 
to corner 4, thence under the pack, and makes fast to the center 
ropes just above the cinch hook. 

BEDDING HITCH. 

For packing bedding together with a few cooking utensils or 
other articles, neither packsaddle nor cinch rope is required. 
The bedding is folded and laid full length across the riding 
saddle, the loose articles being placed on top beneath outer 
layers of bedding, and the hitch thrown as per diagram. 

If the hitch is thrown by two packers, they can tighten as 
they proceed. A single-handed packer will have to set his hitch 
first and tighten afterwards. 

This hitch forms a triangle on top of the pack and a diamond 
on the under side of it. If carefully thrown, it may be drawn 
very tight without any danger of injury to the animal. 

The bedding hitch is most conveniently thrown by two pack- 
ers, one on each side. The loop A, about 8 inches in length, is 
tied in the middle of the rope and placed in front of the horn. 
The ends are led down on each side and tied in a simple knot, 
B, just behind the forelegs. Another knot, C, is then tied 
behind the first, but the two are not drawn together. The rope 
ends are then led one to each rear corner of the pack, and each 
is securely tucked into the loop. Thence each end is led di- 
rectly down across its side of the pack, tucksd under the 
strand D D and up again in the same line. Then a loop is made 



HANDBOOK FOR CAMPERS. 37 

in the end of the rope on the offside, the near end is put 
through it, pulled tight and made fast. 

PASTURE FOR SADDLE AND PACK ANIMALS. 

On portions of the National Forests where feed is scarce or 
where stock grazed under Government permit is likely to con- 
sume the forage needed for travelers' stock, pastures are in- 
closed in which saddle and pack animals may be certain to find 
feed. The location of these pastures may be ascertained from 
the rangers if they are not shown on the Forest maps. In 
general, however, the feed on the Forest ranges is sufficient to 
keep saddle and pack stock in good condition if they are per- 
mitted to get all they can at night. To keep them within 
bounds, picket ropes are sometimes used. These, however, are 
liable to cause accidents, rope burns, etc., and where the feed 
is at all scattered they do not enable the animal to cover a 
sufficiently wide area unless the picket pin is frequently moved. 1 
Hobbles are more satisfactory and more generally used. Leather 
straps, which buckle about each forefoot just below the fetlock 
and are connected by a short chain, may be purchased. Satis- 
factory hobbles, however, may be made as follows : 

Cut off about 5 feet of half -inch rope and unwind one strand. 
Double this strand and tie the ends together in an overhand 
knot. Put the doubled rope around one forefoot just above the 
hoof and twist it loosely three or four times. Then place the 
other forefoot between the ends of the rope and secure by tuck- 
ing the knot in one end through the loop in the other. If the 
hobbles have a tendency to chafe, place them above the fetlocks 
one night and below them the next time. 

ACCIDENTS— FIRST AID. 

First-aid packets should be included with the camp outfit; 
also a First Aid Manual, which should be studied before start- 
ing out. In case of any serious accident get to a telephone at 

1 In staking horses tie them by the foreleg, never by the neck. 



38 HANDBOOK TOR CAMPERS. 

once and send for a physician. Directions for preliminary treat- 
ment of some of the commoner accidents are given below: 

Wounds. — To stop bleeding, apply pressure directly over the 
wound, either by the fingers or by means of a compress. The 
latter is preferable. 

If the bleeding can not be controlled by this method, apply 
pressure to the blood vessel which supplies the bleeding part, 
the pressure being applied always between the wound and the 
heart. 

To make a tourniquet, tie a strong bandage, handkerchief, 
necktie, etc., about the wounded part. Place a smooth pebble 
or similar hard substance directly over the blood vessel. Insert 
a stick within the bandage and twist it tight. 

Burns. — Exclude air and keep parts absolutely clean. Treat 
with vaseline or olive oil. Lacking these, use a solution of 
baking soda. 

Vfhere large blisters are formed, remove the fluid before 
dressing. Prick near the edge with a needle that has been 
passed several times through a flame and gently press out the 
water. 

Where the clothing sticks to the flesh, do not remove it 
forcibly. Cut it away as close to the burn as possible and 
soften with oil before removing it. 

Fractures. — Send for a surgeon. It is not necessary that a 
broken bone should be set immediately. If it is impossible to 
obtain a surgeon at once, or if it is necessary to move the in- 
jured person, the parts should be bandaged with splints to keep 
them from moving. For splints use thin pieces of board a little 
longer than the bone and as wide as the injured part. They 
should be thoroughly padded with cotton, cloth, or moss. 

Sprains. — The part should have absolute rest. Apply water 
as- hot as can be borne. After the first day or two apply splints 
and bandages if necessary. 

Sunstroke. — The skin is dry and hot, the breathing quick, 
and the heart action violent. Place patient on his back, with 
head slightly raised, in a cool, shady spot. Loosen clothing. 



HANDBOOK FOR CAMPERS. 39 

Apply cold water, first to the head and then to body, until tem- 
perature has been reduced and consciousness returns. 

Snake Mte. — Use a tourniquet between the wound and the 
heart, loosening it from time to time. Cut the wound to allow 
it to bleed freely. If whisky is administered, give it in small 
doses as needed to prevent collapse, not in a large quantity all at 
once. The best treatment is hypodermic injections of potassium 
permanganate near the puncture, with strychnine given hypo- 
dermically or in tablets to keep up the heart action. 

Poison oak. — Bathe with a saturated solution of baking soda. 
A decoction of manzanita leaves and bark will sometimes give 
relief. 

Resuscitation of the apparently droivned. — Send for physician 
at once. Loosen clothing. The water must be removed from 
mouth, lungs, and stomach. Water and mucus may be removed 
from the mouth with the finger. To remove the water from 
throat and lungs, grasp the patient around the waist from 
behind and raise the body so that the head and feet hang down. 

To induce artificial respiration. — Place the patient on his 
back. Draw the tongue forward and if necessary tie with a 
handkerchief. Kneel at the patient's head and grasp the arms 
below the elbows. Draw the arms upward and backward until 
patient's hands touch the ground behind his head and keep in 
this position while " one," " two," " three " are slowly counted. 
Then carry elbows downward slowly, doubling the forearm on 
the arm, pressing firmly against the chest. Rest a few seconds, 
and repeat about sixteen times to the minute. Do not give up 
for at least one hour and a half. 

When signs of life appear, friction and rubbing should be 
applied, and tea, coffee, or whisky and hot water may be given. 

FIRES AND FIRE FIGHTING. 

The forest-fire risk in California is excessive. The long 
dry season, the inflammable nature of the cover, and the habit 
natural to Californians of camping out during the summer tend 



40 HANDBOOK FOR CAMPERS. 

to produce severe fire conditions. Even after storms the atmos- 
phere soon becomes dry, and the summer showers therefore do 
little toward making the forests less inflammable. The matter 
of camping is mentioned because most fires are of human origin. 
The seasoned camper is by no means a source of fire danger ; he 
is, rather, a safety factor, since he knows that precautions must 
be taken and helps to instruct those who are less experienced. 
But until a camper has had at least a season's experience in 
the Forests, he is apt to take unwarranted chances with camp 
fires, matches, burning tobacco, etc. 

The fire organization on the National Forests includes meas- 
ures designed to prevent, detect, and suppress fires. Absolute 
prevention is, of course, impossible; lightning causes a certain 
percentage of fires each year, and a few fires start in other 
ways that may be fairly called unpreventable. Among these are 
the breaking of transmission lines, the accidental burning of 
houses in the Forests, etc. There is also a theory very popular 
in California that broken bottles, by focusing the sun's rays 
upon inflammable material, are a frequent source of fires ; but 
the theory has never been verified. During ten years in which 
accurate fire records have been kept in California not a single 
case of this sort has come to light. 

Preventable fires can be prevented only by educating the 
public. This the Forest Service attempts to accomplish by vari- 
ous devices, but especially by giving currency to the Woodsman's 
Six Rules : 

(1) Matches. — Be sure your match is out. Pinch it before 
you throw it away. 

(2) Tobacco. — Throw pipe ashes and cigar or cigarette 
stumps in the dust of the road and stamp or pinch out the fire 
before leaving them. Don't throw them into brush, leaves, or 
needles. 

(3) Making camp. — Build a small campfire. Build it in the 
open, not against a tree or log or near brush. Scrape away the 
trash from all around it. 



HANDBOOK FOR CAMPERS. 41 

(4) Leaving camp. — Never leave a cainpfire, even for a short 
time, without quenching it with water and then covering it with 
earth. 

(5) Bonfires. — Never build bonfires in windy weather or 
where there is the slightest danger of their escaping from con- 
trol. Don't make them larger than you need. 

(6) Fighting fires. — If you find a fire, try to put it out. If 
you can't, get word of it to the nearest United States forest 
ranger or State fire warden at once. Keep in touch with the 
rangers. 

These rules have been compiled for the guidance of the public, 
by observing the general practice of foresters and other woods- 
men in their use of fire in the mountains. Most of them have 
been enacted into law, and the penalties for their violation are 
severe. Campers should observe them scrupulously. 

The work of detecting and suppressing forest fires has been 
greatly systematized in recent years. Nowadays fires are re- 
ported mainly by lookouts, whose function is not to fight fires 
but merely to discover and report them, and by the flying look- 
outs of the airplane fire patrol, who cover the Forests at least 
once each day. The lookouts are located on commanding peaks, 
and remain on duty continuously. They are equipped with the 
necessary instruments and housed in cabins, from the interior 
of which the entire area under protection can be kept in view. 
Each Forest has several lookouts. Where the same area is 
under observation from two or more, the location of a fire can 
be determined very accurately, even at a distance of many 
miles from either. 

The lookout is in communication with the district ranger 
either by telephone or heliograph. Telephone service is the 
most certain and satisfactory, but heliographs are used in situ- 
ations where other facilities are lacking or are too costly. On 
receiving a report from a lookout, the ranger in whose district 
the fire is located takes immediate steps to put it out, and in 
fighting a forest fire it is as necessary to be prompt as it is in 



42 HANDBOOK FOR CAMPERS. 

saving a burning house. The ranger immediately calls up one 
or more of his assistants by telephone, and they are dispatched 
to the fire without delay. This system has proved to be very 
economical, and the majority of fires are kept to an area under 
one-quarter of an acre and are handled by one or two men. 

Where large fires occur, owing to" exceptional circumstances, 
large bodies of fire fighters may be required. These are, as far 
as possible, organized in advance, so that no time may be lost. 
They are recrujted from near-by ranchers, stockmen, lumbermen, 
and even from settlements outside. Transportation facilities 
both for the men and for their subordinates are also arranged 
beforehand, and tools and nonperishable food supplies are 
cached in places where a demand for them is likely to arise. 

In the more thickly settled portions of some Forests, especially 
where there are numerous occasional visitors from near-by 
towns, moving patrolmen are employed. These, by calling the 
attention of campers to the necessity for taking proper pre- 
cautions, and even by their very presence, keep a great many 
fires from starting. They also attend to the extinguishing of 
such fires as occur, and in the case of large fires take charge 
of the fire fighting until relieved. 

A few years ago the opinion was very prevalent in California 
that the entire forest area should be burned over periodically 
in order to effect a general clean-up. This theory — the so-called 
" light-burning " theory — is now very largely discarded, and 
properly so ; there are certain arguments in favor of it, but it is 
chiefly based upon conceptions that are fundamentally wrong. 
In the first place, although it appears to cost nothing, it is in 
reality an extremely expensive measure when performed effec- 
tively. Some irresponsible advocates of this theory assume that 
it is only necessary to touch off a piece of forest at the proper 
season and that the fire will do its work without further atten- 
tion. This is by no means the case. It is obvious that there 
are many areas from which the fire should be kept at all 
hazards; or, if they are to be burned at all, it should be with 



HANDBOOK FOR CAMPERS. 43 

extreme care. This means, then, that the fire must be kept 
under control, which would entail prohibitive expense as com- 
pared with the cost of keeping fires out entirely. One large 
tract of private timber in the northern Sierras was cleaned up 
in this fashion at a cost of 50 cents per acre. The owner be- 
lieved firmly that light burning was the proper way to protect 
his stand ; but as a practical lumberman he recognized also the 
necessity of expensive control. At the same rate the expense of 
" light burning " the whole of the yellow-pine belt in California 
would amount to at least $5,000,000. 

But besides the prohibitive cost there are two other objections 
to this practice. One is that the young growth is inevitably 
destroyed ; in fact, since thickets of young growth are specially 
inflammable, it is one of the objects of light burning to con- 
sume them. But the forests of the future can not be created 
all at once when they are needed. They require a develop- 
ment period of at least 100 years before they produce material 
fit to cut into lumber. Any system which protects the mature 
timber at the expense of the young growth which is to replace 
it violates the principles of forestry and, unless the sacrifice is 
absolutely unavoidable, of common sense as well. It was for- 
merly argued that the sacrifice was necessary ; that, unless the 
debris which collected on the floor of the forest year after year 
was burned, unless the thickets of young growth were kept 
down, the final result would be a conflagration that nothing 
could control. This argument upon examination is found not to 
hold. The record of the Forest Service in California during 
recent years proves that very severe fire conditions can be 
handled without any considerable loss of timber. 

But what is still more important, it is found by experiment 
that burning decreases the amount of litter not for a period of 
years but at most for an interval of only a few months. The 
litter upon the ground at the time of the burning is consumed, 
but is replaced with more than normal rapidity by the debris 
shed from the trees scorched by the fire. 



44 HANDBOOK FOR CAMPERS. 

In short, light burning, in order to make the forest safe 
against future fires, must not be " light," but must be a fire of 
exactly the sort that it is the object of the practice to prevent. 
Fortunately, the light-burning method is no longer advocated to 
any great extent. 

HINTS ON FIRE PROTECTION. 

The first thing is prevention. Bear in mind the Six Rules. 
Be particularly careful with camp fire, matches, and tobacco, 
since carelessness with these is punishable by law. 

Scrape all inflammable material from around the fire before 
lighting it. Make a fire place either by digging a hole- or by 
piling up rocks. The fire will then not only be safer but will 
draw better. 

Before leaving camp see that the last spark is extinguished. 
Pour water on the embers and then cover them with earth. 

Don't make your fire too large. Large fires are not as con- 
venient to cook by as small ones and are more trouble to put 
out. 

If you discover a fire, go to it at once and put it out of you 
can. A small fire can be put out easily by throwing handfuls of 
earth, sand, or dust at the base of the flame. The flames may 
also be beaten down with sacks or with branches, but care must 
be taken not to scatter the fire. 

If the fire is spreading too rapidly to be attacked directly, 
cut and scrape a trail some distance ahead of it. Do not back- 
fire ; this is work for an experienced man. If a fire is serious 
enough to require this treatment, the work should be left to a 
ranger. 

The best tools for fire fighting are the shovel, ax, and hoe 
or rake. In open pine forest very little ax work will be re- 
quired. Shovel or rake a trail through the needles down to 
mineral soil, and guard the trail. 

To stop a fire burning in brush the trail must first be cut 
with the ax and then scraped. The brush should be thrown to 



HANDBOOK FOR CAMPERS. 45 

the side away from the fire. The litter may be scraped toward 
the fire. 

Pick a route for the fire trail that will avoid brush patches, 
if possible. The crest of a ridge is an excellent location, since 
the fire naturally checks at the top. 

Do not give up because the fire is gaining headway or because 
you lack tools. The fire has already been reported by lookouts, 
and rangers are hurrying to it properly equipped. Stay and 
help them ; and in the meantime do what you can to keep it in 
check. 

See that a fire is cold before you leave it. 

Report all fires to the nearest Forest officer. 

Do not suppose that because a fire is merely burning in ap- 
parently worthless brush it is therefore doing no damage. Such 
fires are often the most serious. 

GAME AND FISH. 

The National Forests contain the principal habitats of all the 
important game animals of the West. No charge is made for 
hunting, fishing, or ordinary camping upon Government land 
within the National Forests, and their use as recreation grounds 
is encouraged. No permits are issued for game preserves or 
any use of land which would result in preventing or restricting 
lawful hunting or fishing. Since game in general is regarded as 
under State control, the Federal Forest officers derive most of 
their authority in game protection from the State. They are 
not game wardens ex officio, but only after appointment as 
such by the proper State authorities. National Forest officers 
are, however, active in game protection; and in cooperation 
with the State Fish and Game Commission the Forest officers 
on 25,000,000 acres of National Forest lands are fulfilling the 
duties of game wardens in California. 

Licenses are required by the State for angling as well as for 
hunting. They may be obtained from Forest officers who are 
game wardens. 



46 HANDBOOK FOR CAMPERS. 

Cards containing the California fish and game laws may also 
be secured, and the laws thereon should be strictly complied 
with. 

The rangers know the best hunting country and the best fish- 
ing streams, and will be glad to furnish information to those 
who request it. 

The principal big-game animal on the National Forests in 
California is the blacktail deer. The State Fish and Game 
Commission estimates that 30,000 deer are killed each deer, 
more than half of this number by mountain lions and the 
remainder by hunters. 

Deer winter in the foothills, ranging up to higher levels as the 
snow melts. During the early summer the bucks are often 
found in the open glades and meadows feeding on grass and 
tender shoots. Later they head for brushy areas and live off 
the browse furnished by oak, hazel, blue brush, and various 
other species. In the fall, in an oak country, they feed on 
acorns. 

Since the best deer hunting is apt to occur during the height 
of the dry season, it is particularly necessary that hunters be 
careful not to set fires. 

The bucks shed their horns during the winter, the new horns 
beginning to grow in early spring. During the summer these 
are in the velvet — tender, full of blood vessels, and unfit for 
mounting. Later the horns harden, the velvet is rubbed off, the 
hide changes color from " red " to " blue," and the buck reaches 
his prime condition. This season varies in different portions of 
the State from mid-August to October, being earlier the lower 
the elevation. As a general rule the bucks are in the best con- 
dition toward the close of the open season. 

To transport a deer on a saddle horse throw a rope across the 
saddle, pulling a loop of it forward through each cinch ring. 
Place the buck across the saddle and put the head through one 
loop and the haunches through the other. Draw the ends of the 
rope tight, make a loop in one, reeve the other through it, and 
make fast. 



HANDBOOK FOR CAMPERS. 47 

To skin a deer head for mounting, cut the skin around the 
neck well down on the shoulder and breast. Then cut along the 
upper side of the neck to the top of the head. Thence make 
diagonal cuts, one to each horn. Cut off the ears close to the 
skull, turn them inside out, and cut away the meat, leaving 
the cartilage. Skin carefully around the eyes. Cut the lips 
close to the skull, leaving them attached to the skin. Split 
them from the inside and till the cut with salt. 

Rub plenty of salt into the flesh side of all parts of the skin, 
and let it dry slowly in the shade or roll it up hair side in and 
ship at once to a taxidermist. 

To butcher a deer hang it up by the hind legs, slit the skin 
along the middle of the breast and belly and to the end of the 
tail ; then along the inside of each leg. Cut off the feet at the 
joints and peel off the skin. Cut through the wall of the 
abdomen without piercing the intestines ; loosen the diaphragm 
at the back and sides; cut away the lower intestine close to 
the bone and empty out the entire contents of the carcass. 
Split the breastbone with a hatchet. 

The best cuts of vension are the saddle and haunch. 

To make jerked venison or " jerky " use lean meat cut into 
strips about one-half inch wide. Lay these side by side on a 
frame made of slats or poles supported about 4 feet from the 
ground and keep a small smoky fire going underneath until the 
meat is thoroughly dry. 

Fresh meat should be hung up and protected from flies by 
cheesecloth. 

MISCELLANEOUS. 

Photographs. — Photographs taken in the shade of the forest 
require from 5 to 15 times longer exposure than those taken in 
the open. 

Compass. — One end of the needle always has a distinguish- 
ing mark, but manufacturers do not always mark the same end. 
Make sure which end of the needle points north and remember it. 



48 HANDBOOK FOR CAMPERS. 

Candle lanterns. — With the point of a hatchet blade cut slits 
about 2 inches long in the form of an X in the side of a lard 
pail. A candle pushed into this aperture will be held steady, 
and the can will shade it from the wind and serve as a reflector. 

To dry matches. — Carefully blot off as much water as possible 
with a soft cloth and then pass them through the hair a dozen 
times or so. 

A shoulder pack can be improvised as follows : Take a grain 
sack and place a pebble an inch or more in diameter in each of 
the lower corners. Tie one leg of a pair of overalls to each of 
these corners. (The pebble prevents the knot from slipping off.) 
To close the sack tie the mouth of it and the waist of the overalls 
tightly with a cord. The legs make comfortable shoulder straps. 

Chafed heels can be alleviated by rubbing soap into the socks. 
Also, by sticking adhesive tape on the bare heels. 

Getting lost. — There is little danger of a person being lost in 
the California mountains during the summer. Usually the worst 
that can happen is the possibility of an uncomfortable night in 
the open. The realization that one is lost is, however, often 
accompanied by a panicky feeling that may hurry one into diffi- 
culties or even into accidents. Fight against this, and keep 
your head. Thirty minutes' calm thought will be worth more 
than hours spent in aimless rushing. 

Don't try to travel after dark. Camp as comfortably as you 
can. as soon as night comes on, no matter how near to camp you 
think you are. 

You can always reach the settlements by traveling down- 
stream. Some of the Sierra canyons are difficult going, and it 
may often be better to stick to the ridges. But make sure which 
way the stream is flowing and travel in the same direction. 

Snoio blindness.' — Snow blindness may occur in mountain 
climbing on snow unless the eyes are protected with dark 
glasses. If these are unobtainable, daub a mixture of grease 
and charcoal on the cheeks just beneath the eyes. 

o 



HELP KEEP THE MOUNTAINS CLEAN. 
HELP PREVENT FIRES. 




